Practical Experience Learning Through Service
Western New England University School of Law clinics and externships place students on the front lines in the struggle for justice. Whether helping a proprietor establish a small business, representing a tenant fighting an eviction proceeding, asserting a consumer’s rights and remedies, or protecting a victim of domestic violence, this firsthand experience will provide you with legal training, personal satisfaction, and professional growth.
The Experience Advantage
- Our experiential learning offerings allow you to:
- Learn real-life lawyering in a professional setting
- Gain practical knowledge and develop professional skills and values
- Work under the supervision of experienced practitioners and a faculty member
- Establish connections with practicing attorneys
- Build a résumé of real legal experience and gain insight into areas of law that interest you
Translating Theory Into Practice
One of the keys to becoming a successful lawyer is experience. The Western New England University School of Law offers students a wide variety of options to gain firsthand experience working with clients, writing legal documents, conducting research, and litigating cases. Through the eight Law Clinics/Practicums and over 60 Judicial and Public Interest Externship placements offered by the School, students gain the opportunity to put into practice all of these skills and more.
Clinical Legal Practice Opportunities
Our Clinics are directed by faculty members who are highly regarded experts in their fields. These include:
- Criminal Law Defense Practicum
- Criminal Law Prosecution Practicum
- Family Defense Practicum
- Family Law Mediation Clinic
- Global Justice Clinic
- Legal Aid Clinic
- Real Estate Practicum
- Small Business Clinic
More on Clinics and Practicums
Externships
Judicial, Public Interest, Government, And Private Sector Opportunities
Externships allow students to work directly with judges or alongside attorneys in public interest organizations, government agencies, and law firms. Externs conduct research, prepare legal documents, and apply other lawyering skills. Externships also provide excellent exposure to professionals who can offer both advice and career insights.
Moot Court Competitions
Teams From Western New England Have Distinguished Themselves In National Competitions
Western New England University School of Law offers numerous opportunities for students to hone their professional lawyering skills through legal competitions. Through various inter-law school and intramural moot court teams students have ample opportunity to add valuable experiences to their law school education.
Simulations and Specialized Skills Courses
In-House Practical Skills Offerings
Western New England School of Law offers a number of courses that help students learn by engaging in simulations of the kind of real-world lawyering that normally takes place outside of the classroom. These courses teach oral argument skills, negotiation skills, mediation skills, transactional and litigation drafting skills, problem-solving, and much more.
Simulation courses are offered in the areas of trial methods, negotiation, arbitration, mediation, business, bankruptcy, tax, and real estate.
Read More About Our Simulation Courses
Pro Bono Opportunities
Community Lawyering
Western New England University School of Law has a long tradition of service in Springfield and surrounding communities. In order to graduate, students must complete 20 hours of pro bono service. The Pro Bono program allows students to provide legal services to underrepresented community members while honing their own legal skills.